It’s universally agreed that Vitamin C is a hero ingredient in any skincare regimen. However, there are certain myths that surround the its use. For instance, many people believe that Vitamin C and sunscreen should not be used together. Or, since it is highly acidic in its pure form, Vitamin C increases skin sensitivity and disturbs pH levels and the acid mantle of the skin.
But are these general assumptions actually true? The effectiveness of Vitamin C for anti-aging depends upon the purity of the source, the concentration with which it is used, and the pH level of the finished skin care formulation (the end product the customer receives).
Here we’ll be debunking the myths, from a dermatologist/estheticians point for the safe use of Vitamin C for anti-aging skincare:
Ingredients to Avoid – A Clear Picture
Vitamin C is proven to be reactive with certain ingredients, proven to cause skin damage. These are explained below:
1. Retinol and Vitamin C
Retinol is a highly reactive and skin sensitizing ingredient. When a formula contains both Retinol and Vitamin C for anti-aging (particularly when used in high concentration in its synthetic form as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), this combination can have an extremely detrimental effect on your skin. This manifests as increased skin sensitivity, irritation, redness, dryness, and a burning sensation.
When used together in a formula, Vitamin C accelerates the process of oxidation, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of retinol. Also, it is important to note that the pH requirements of Retinol and Vitamin C are completely different. While Vitamin C has an acidic pH, retinol works best in a slightly alkaline environment to be effective.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide and Vitamin C
Benzoyl peroxide is often considered as a topical treatment for acne and spot treatment. While the ingredient itself is skin sensitizing, Benzoyl peroxide can decompose Vitamin C molecules to reduce its effectiveness. Additionally, when used together, Benzoyl Peroxide + Vitamin C is highly reactive and can cause burning, especially when it comes to dry, sensitive skin.
3. Synthetic AHAs and BHAs and Vitamin C
Synthetic AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are available as Over-The-Counter topical exfoliating chemical treatments. Using AHAs or BHAs and Vitamin C together, without proper expert guidance.. or their application as a highly concentrated topical treatment can trigger the side effects of this ingredient. Over-exfoliation with AHA/BHAs + Vitamin C increases the risk of dryness, redness, and peeling of skin.
4. Niacinamide and Vitamin C
Formulas that contain both Niacinamide and Vitamin C in unscientific ratios cancel out the positive effects of Vitamin C, by disrupting the pH environment required for the latter’s optimum performance.
Improving Performance of Vitamin C with PuraVeda Organics
While Vitamin C has many roles, here are the two most effective, result-oriented solutions, explained in brief that work for every skin type:
1. Sunscreen and Vitamin C Bioflavonoids
[Formula Name: SunProtect SPF 30+]
It is a MYTH that sunscreen and Vitamin C should never be mixed together. Vitamin C in its purest natural form can actually be combined with the right set of ingredients for great pre and post sun care benefits.
In fact, Vitamin C with Zinc Oxide (the key broad-spectrum sun protection ingredient approved by EWG) and other active botanicals works as a powerful combination to provide complete protection against sun damage.
- Zinc Oxide (Micronized/Non-nano): Acts as a physical barrier to reflect the incoming UV rays (UVA/B/C) and prevent aging, sunburn, and sun damage.
- Vitamin C Bioflavonoids: Works as an active antioxidant to fight free radicals, immediately upon application. Coupled with DevaBright Formula (proprietary blend of Kojic Acid, Uva ursi, and Licorice root – read more), Vitamin C also brightens skin tone and improves cellular turnover.
2. Anti-aging and Vitamin C
[Formula Name: BioScience Peptide Complex]
Saving you from the skin damaging effects of retinol and other toxic ingredients, Puraveda Organics brings to you a revolutionary anti-aging formula, bioengineered to give visible results and smooth skin without side effects. The revolutionary alternative we are talking about is – “Peptide” (read more).
Peptides + Vitamin C + Vitamin A, E, B2, CoQ10, Gotu Kola, and other essential skin actives in our BioScience Peptide Complex work in a perfect blend of Ayurvda and Western Skin Science to transform your skin skin in less than 60 days (1-2 skin turnover cycles).
- Peptides – Argireline and Matrixyl biopeptides extracted from brown rice substrates work dramatically to delay signs of aging. With guaranteed results (similar to BotoxTM ) or other injected neurotoxins, our topical Bioscience Peptide Complex reconstructs the damaged fundamental building blocks of the dermal/collagen net to reduce wrinkle depth and expression lines, improve hydration, and noticeably firm and tighten skin.
- Vitamin C Bioflavonoids from Bilberry – Extracted naturally from the extracts of Bilberry/Blueberry, Vitamin C boosts collagen, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, and promotes even skin tone/complexion.
BioScience is a multi-tasking formula and can combat aging skin problems, including wrinkles, fine lines, loss of collagen and elasticity, dullness and uneven skin tone. When used along with Collagen Boost Serum (for skin over 35), Rejuv Serum (skin under 35), or SBR Serum (for Sensitive or Rosacea-prone skin) – experience 2X faster results.
Continued Reading:8 Important Facts About Vitamin C Serums.
